Toshiba to Provide Long-Term Solution for Chaira Project

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation has entered into an agreement with the Bulgarian government to restore operations at the Chaira pumped-storage hydropower plant (PSHPP). The agreement follows meetings in Tokyo between Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Vladimir Malinov, and Takehiko Matsushita, Vice President of the Power Systems Division at Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.

The collaboration aims to return the facility to operational status as quickly as possible. The Chaira PSHPP is described by the Bulgarian government as having key importance for the country’s energy system and significance for ensuring electricity security.

Short-Term and Long-Term Restoration Plans

The restoration strategy consists of both immediate repairs and a comprehensive long-term modernization plan. As a short-term measure, the National Electricity Company (NEK) EAD is scheduled to announce a public tender for the repair of Chaira hydro unit 1 within two weeks of the September 2024 agreements.

For the long-term phase, Minister Malinov stated that a public tender will be issued for the procurement and replacement of several critical components, including:

• Generators and turbines
• Main and auxiliary equipment
• Control systems
• Testing and commissioning of Chaira hydro units 1 and 4

The government has indicated that the involvement of Toshiba is essential for the continued reliable operation of the plant in the future.

Manufacturer’s Role and Technical Documentation

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation serves as the original manufacturer and supplier of the equipment for the Chaira PSHPP. The corporation is the owner of the technical and design documentation for the project.

Due to its status as the equipment manufacturer and documentation owner, the Bulgarian government has stated that the award of the repair work must be given to Toshiba.

The corporation’s involvement in the repair and rehabilitation works at the plant is key to its continued reliable operation in the future

Minister Vladimir Malinov

Minister Malinov further noted that deepening the cooperation between the National Electricity Company of Bulgaria and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation is a leading factor in ensuring the security of the Bulgarian power system.

Operational Status and Previous Progress

The efforts to restore the plant are part of a broader initiative by the National Electricity Company (NEK) to ensure sustainable long-term operation of the facility. On December 23, 2024, NEK announced that it had successfully completed the rehabilitation of hydro unit 2 of the Chaira PSHPP.

The current focus on hydro unit 1 and the long-term replacement of generators and turbines for units 1 and 4 represents a continuation of these rehabilitation procedures.